GCC vs Eclectus

[Newbalicious]

Hi there! =3

I'm not too experienced, and I'm looking into some parrots as a friend. I'm really considering the Eclectus or a Green Cheek Conure.

Overall, what I'm looking for is an animal that appreciates my presence. Cuddly? Bonus! However, it isn't needed that much. I just want a feathered companion. I don't ask for much. It doesn't need to talk, doesn't need to be a part of a circus, etc. All I request is a more of a quiet kind of bird and one that doesn't have dust like cockatoos, african greys, or love birds. Expenses aren't a concern -- I'm financially stable. I also eat healthy with organic, gmo free (i try my best with this one, but unfortunately, there's not much I can do) and always have fresh vegetables and fruits in the fridge. The Eclectus diet isn't worrisome, nor is making sure that my birds have a healthy diet.

And for the Eclectus, I've really tried to do my research, but males vs females searches have come up with nothing. I've heard that males are much more hormonal than all other species, but then females are just a boring lump? I don't believe in that last one, and have read that females are smart. Anyone want to elaborate? Meaning, please describe the differences between females and males! In any case, I found the Eclectus to sound perfect! They seem more mellow, not crazy about affection, aren't too loud, but do like your presence. AND YES, I acknowledge that they have an ear shattering call! (I've only read that it is once in a blue moon...anyone with more info, please talk about it!)

Yet, I've been reading about Green Cheek Conures. I've heard that they're cuddly, not too loud, and like snuggling underneath your shirts... I find this trait more than adorable, haha! But are they extremely needy? Too needy?

And my bird will be out for most of the day! I don't go out much (I work at home), but when I do, it's usually the park + grocery shopping + eating out + movies! There will be a harness and leash on my bird at all times unless it's for flight recall.

In conclusion:

Eclectus:
-Male vs Female? Are males aggressively hormonal? Are females uninteractive and flat out aloof?
-Do females seek attention, generally?

Green Cheek Conure:
-Are they too needy?

Thank you all! I know that all birds are individuals, but I really want to do my research! =)

EDIT: By financially stable, I mean that money isn't an issue. ^-^

[Chantilly]

Hi Newbalicious,
welcome to the forum.
Eclectus are (from my vague experience) very demanding birds/ all birds are demanding, dont get me wrong, but I think that they easily get stressed and their needs are much harder to fullfill(mind you, I have not owned one.) Eclectus breeding season goes for like 8months of the year, and one female will have several males as mates and they will all bring her food, so if males are more hormonal, they will be for a long time of the year. I think they could make a great pet, but they will need allot of time, more than the average bird to be content. But this is just what I have gathered about them.
Conures(I have one, and they are great.) can be cuddly then snappy, or happy or angry then cuddly again!. they have allot of attitude and will most definatly make you laugh. Mostly they are cuddly, but their attitude can change pretty fast. If you are giving one a scratch and accidently move a pin feather the wrong way they will be upset for a while, but it isnt hard to have them forgive you.
I personally lean toward conures(I like the south american species!), and arent trying to turn you off an eccie, It really depends on your lifestyle and on you as an individual. Gccs can have deep bonds to one person, but seeing as eclectuses have several males I assume that they would be ok with several people(females atleast.)
I would love an eclectus oneday, just because they are so different!
As for if males or females are better this might help:
http://www.eclectusparrotbreeders.com/e ... sting.html

Sexual maturity- (from the link ->, you may want to look a the website too: http://www.birdsnways.com/wisdom/ww67eii.htm)
The female is the dominant member of the Eclectus pair. Puberty and sexual maturity are more dramatic with the female than the male, who seems to change very little as he approaches sexual maturity. The males continue to play like young birds and enjoy their human flockmates even while raising babies. They are happy-go-lucky guys whose ladies manage the home and family. Eclectus females are loyal to all who are lucky enough to win their affection, but they are fiercely protective of their nest and babies. They go through an aggressive stage as they mature sexually and become protective of the "nest area" which includes their cage as well as the nestbox. With consistent love and guidance from the owner, this stage passes and the female Eclectus remains a wonderfully loving companion to her human family. Even though they have a well-deserved reputation for being aggressive toward strangers when they have eggs or chicks in the nest, they will allow a trusted human friend to handle the eggs and chicks. Many small-scale breeders whose Eclectus pairs were loving pets before they became producing pairs, are allowed to be a "third wheel" and function as a member of the "family team". Interference by humans is not tolerated by many parrot species.


Best of luck and please let us know what you decide

[Pajarita]

I would not recommend an ekkie for somebody who has had no parrots before. They are very difficult birds. You say their diet would be no problem but it will be because, in reality, we haven't yet found a diet that is good enough for them so lots of them end up with toe tapping and wing flicking and, most telling is that they all die young in captivity and, if you ask me, it has to be because of an inadequate diet. Feeding them requires A LOT of knowledge and daily labor. They are also parrots that don't display so unless you have a lot of experience caring for parrots, you will end getting bit - and they don't go for the warning nip like all other species do, they go for the kill (they are known for killing and maiming little birds - I still have no feeling on one half of a finger from a female ekkie's bite). They are VERY hormonal birds and, as such, prone to plucking when they reach a certain age. And, although it is true that females are dominant, it's not true that all males are mellow. I had one that was a holy terror! I had never heard a parrot growl until Romeo came to my rescue - that bird would come running (he couldn't fly, he had barbered all his primaries) after me with his wings and beak open and growling as soon as I opened the door to the birdroom! I had to wear a towel tucked around my waist and hanging down to the floor so he would not bite my feet and legs.

Now, I love GCCs, I think they are wonderful little birds (I have one now but had four in total)! But they are VERY needy and they can't eat high protein so you will have to cook for it and spend many hours of one-on-one. But, if you have the time and lead a quiet life (meaning, not staying late up at night and such) and can provide it with a good diet, they are adorable.